Wayne Bank Promotes Vincent G. O’Bell Lewis J. Critelli, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Vincent G. O’Bell to Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “I am delighted to announce this promotion,” remarked Mr. Critelli. “Vinny’s strong leadership has contributed to the growth and profitability of the Bank’s commercial lending portfolio. His extensive experience and commitment to the communities we serve make him well-suited to this position, and firmly positions Wayne Bank for the continued expansion of our business lending efforts.” Mr. O’Bell joined the Bank in 2016 and has served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer for the Lackawanna County market since that time, as well as a Team Leader within the Commercial Lending division. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Banking from Lackawanna Junior College and a Graduate Degree in Banking and Finance from the Stonier School of Banking. In 2019, Mr. O’Bell was recognized by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association for his 40 years of service, having held various senior roles in the banking industry for four decades. Mr. O’Bell is very involved with his community and serves as the Scranton Lackawanna Health and Welfare Board Chairman; a Rotary Club of Scranton Paul Harris Fellow, Board Member, and Treasurer; a Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Treasurer; a NEPA Alliance Board Member; a Eucharistic minister and finance council for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish; and a Finance and Investment Committee Member for the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He resides in Jessup, with his wife, MaryLynn.
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Updates Key 2021 Policies at PNC Field Due to additional changes in CDC and state guidelines last week, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders have updated several policies for fans attending games at PNC Field this season. Masking policies will change during the team’s next homestand and capacity restrictions will change next month. PNC Field returns to 100% capacity on June 1 and single-game tickets for the remainder of the 2021 home schedule will go on sale tomorrow, May 21, at 10 A.M. online at swbrailriders.com. Updated Policies and Guidelines are as follows: Mask Policy (Beginning May 25) Vaccinated fans do not need to wear a mask unless they choose to do so.Unvaccinated fans must continue to mask at all times. Entrance/ Seating/ Capacity Restrictions (Beginning June 1) Due to Major League Baseball requirements, social distancing will remain in place during entrance and exit at PNC Field.A special “pod seating” section will remain in place for fans wishing to maintain safe social distancing. Masking will be required in this section.The Season Ticket Holder early entrance policy will be reinstated (15 minutes before gates open via the SWB Station Team Store).The designated smoking areas will be reinstated.The Geisinger Kids Zone will be open.The SWB Station Team Store capacity restrictions will be lifted.Ballpark re-entry will now be permitted. The RailRiders will keep several existing policies in place. They are as follows: RailRiders and Legends staff will continue to wear masks at PNC Field.Digital Ticketing will remain in place for the entire 2021 season.PNC Field will remain cashless for the entire 2021 season.Players will not be able to sign autographs until further notice.The Clear Bag Policy remains in effect for the entire 2021 season.Enhanced cleaning and sanitization efforts will stay in place for the entire 2021 season. In addition, due to MLB guidelines, the RailRiders will continue to utilize pod seating for player families to assist with social distancing and safety. Protocols and procedures remain subject to change this season per Major League Baseball, state and CDC guidance. For more information on all 2021 policies, visit the Health and Safety Information page at swbrailriders.com or call (570) 969-2255.
Jim and Cathy Gavin To Be Honored by Marywood University Marywood University’s Eighth Annual Community Leadership Celebration, Inspiring Social Justice, will honor Jim and Cathy Gavin of Scranton. The Celebration will take place on the University’s campus in the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden on Thursday, June 10, 2021, where they will be awarded the 2021 Lead On Award. Inspiring social justice is a theme that unites Jim and Cathy, the Gavin and Walsh families, and the IHM Congregation in common purpose. In furtherance of that common purpose, Marywood University sets the standard for educating and preparing our youth for a successful and meaningful role in society. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin have a lifelong relationship with the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Congregation beginning in grade school at Chapel and Holy Rosary schools in the 1950s. This relationship has flourished over seven decades. Mr. Gavin graduated from the University of Scranton in 1971, following three years of active military service. He earned graduate degrees in Social Work and Management from Marywood in 1973 and 1985. A professional social worker, Mr. Gavin worked in the behavioral health field for 47 years in clinical as well as management positions. He recently retired after 21 years as President/CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, a UPMC insurance company, and is currently a Senior Advisor to executive leadership. Elected to the Marywood University Board of Trustees in 2014, Mr. Gavin is a member of various committees serving as Treasurer and Chair of Finance since 2016. Mrs. Gavin began a lifelong career in the restaurant business at Stirna’s Restaurant in 1967. After a short stay at The Scranton/Lackawanna Human Development Agency she returned to her true passion, Stirna’s Restaurant. In 1980, with the support and assistance of a friend and attorney, she purchased the business and remains its sole proprietor today. During the next 40 years, Mrs. Gavin began and managed what is today a thriving catering business. She also negotiated and managed the food service contract for Lackawanna College. In 2008, on the 100th anniversary of Stirna’s Restaurant, with the help of her son Michael, she totally renovated the West Market Street facility. Today, the restaurant and catering businesses continue to thrive under their management and supervision. During Jim and Cathy’s fifty years of marriage, their focus has been on family, church, and community. They have two children, Kate and Michael, and two grandchildren, Gavin and Grace. They are proud members of the Gavin/Walsh families, who are collectively committed to the missions and work of the IHM Congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Gavin are active on numerous boards dedicated to the health and welfare of the citizens in Lackawanna and Allegheny counties. For additional information on the Eighth Annual Community Leadership Celebration at Marywood University, to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, or to buy tickets to the event, please visit marywood.edu/clc, or call 570-348-6238.
SIMONA On-Site Job Fair Join us for our on-site spring job fair on June 5th and 7th at our factory at 101 Power Boulevard in Archbald. We will be giving plant tours, accepting applications and holding interviews on the spot!This will be a fun day to meet our great team at SIMONA. Join us for lunch at an on-site food truck, grab some giveaways and enter a chance to win a $200 gift card!Learn about our excellent salary and benefits package, on-the-job training, paid holidays, generous time off, and opportunities for career growth. SIMONA offers some of the most generous retention and incentive bonuses in the area! These incentives go far beyond the weekly paycheck.What’s more is SIMONA is a company like a friend, meaning that we care about our employees and have a strong team and family-like culture. Come and see for yourself!View our open positions at www.workatsimona.com. Planning to attend? Get a head start and let us know ahead of time by filling out this short form https://forms.gle/szM6CmLd7eF7yuDf9. Please note this is optional and registration is not required!
Geisinger CenterPoint Offering Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccines Thursday and Friday Geisinger continues to make it easier to get a COVID-19 vaccine by offering walk-in vaccine events on Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, at the Geisinger CenterPoint Vaccine Center in Jenkins Township. Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Geisinger is offering the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart. Walk-in vaccines are available to anyone age 12 and over, but those under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them to receive their vaccine doses. The vaccine center is staffed with pediatric teams, including pediatricians, to answer any questions and assist with the vaccinations. Geisinger continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines by appointment at its four vaccine centers, and those can be made through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including information for parents of newly eligible children, is available at geisinger.org/COVIDVax.
Duryea at Dusk 5K & 1 Mile Walk Goes Virtual for 2021 The Duryea at Dusk committee has set their fifth Duryea at Dusk 5K and 1-mile walk as a virtual race again this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Participants can register online now through Saturday, June 5. Participants are encouraged to complete their 5K or 1-mile safely around their neighborhood, on a treadmill, track or at a park between June 5-12. The cost to register is $15 per person or $25 per person with a Duryea at Dusk 2021 t-shirt. All runners and walkers will receive a customizable Duryea at Dusk virtual bib and can post their finisher photos on Duryea at Dusk’s Facebook page. Through personal experience with a family member battling cancer, Duryea native sisters, Katie Brudzinski and Allison Brudzinski wanted to be part of something bigger that would involve their entire community. Duryea at Dusk was created from that idea. This is the fifth year of this event. It will impact the local community and support a local organization, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, whose mission is to ease the burden of cancer in northeastern Pennsylvania. Since inception, Duryea at Dusk has raised $40,261 for the Cancer Institute.Individuals or businesses looking for information can reach out to Duryea at Dusk committee by email at duryeaatdusk@gmail.com. To register for the virtual run or walk or donate to it, go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Duryea/DuryeaatDusk
Crystal Windows Ranked 9th Largest NY Area Minority Firm The recognition of national award-winning manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems continues as the company has again been included in the top business ranking of New York City area minority-owned firms. In its May 3, 2021 edition, noted publication Crain’s New York Business ranked Crystal Windows 9th on its list of the New York area’s largest minority-owned companies. Crystal Windows has been included in the Crain’s list for the past 23 years, since 1998. This year’s ranking represents Crystal’s highest achievement to date with the Crain’s list. The Crain’s list is comprised of the largest privately held firms that are at least 51% minority-owned and headquartered in New York City or in seven surrounding New York and New Jersey counties. The ranking is based on annual company revenues from the prior year. The list, while no longer annual, is compiled and published every few years. Others on the 2021 list include Goya Foods, Sigma Plastics, and Bartlett Dairy. “I’m extremely proud that Crystal’s ongoing success continues to be recognized by Crain’s,” said Steve Chen, Crystal’s President. “With 20 million diverse people and tens of thousands of minority-owned companies in the New York metro area, this makes the recognition even more significant. It’s all been made possible by our dedicated employees, our great fenestration trade customers, and the appeal of our energy efficient made-in-America window products.” Crain’s, the region’s premier weekly business magazine, is published in print and online. In prior years, Crystal Windows and both its Chairman Thomas Chen and President Steve Chen have been featured or included in the magazine’s articles, recognitions, and TV show. Most notably, Steve Chen was recognized in the past as a Crain’s Top 40 Under 40 Young Business Executive. Crystal was also the recipient a few years ago of the Crain’s Top Family Business Award.
The Women’s Resource Center Great Chefs Event The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is excited to announce we will host our 30th Annual Great Chefs event on June 3, 2021, at 7 pm. Last year Great Chefs was canceled due to the pandemic, but we couldn’t just let the celebration of our 30th-year slide by. So, in an abundance of caution and safety for our community, the WRC has decided to virtually host the event at no cost to viewers. The evening will feature WNEP-TV 16’s Home & Backyard host Jackie Lewandoski with cooking demonstrations from local chefs. Participants include: Paradise Soulfood & Sweets, Colarusso’s Coal Fire Pizza, Andy Gavin’s Eatery & Pub, The Cabin Bar and Grill, and Lackawanna College’s 409 on Adams Restaurant. There will also be an opportunity to hear from Women’s Resource Center survivors, some special entertainment, and participate in our fabulous online basket raffle. Funds raised at Great Chefs support the WRC Safe Housing Program. The Program prioritizes emergency housing options for adults and children who are in immediate danger, are in a potentially lethal situation due to intimate partner violence, and/or are homeless due to that violence. To become a sponsor, preview basket raffle items, and access to the event, please visit: https://greatchefs21.givesmart.com. This site is continuously being updated, so check back often for exciting things to come! Join us to continue our mission of providing Emergency Housing to adults and children and start them on the path to safety? What: Women’s Resource Center’s 30th Annual Great Chefs: Take Two!When: June 3, 2021 at 7:00pmWhere: https://greatchefs21.givesmart.comHonoree: Lackawanna Insurance Group Participants:Peg Ruddy – Executive Director, Women’s Resource CenterGina Pitoniak – Board Member, Women’s Resource CenterAmy Everetts – Director of Development, Women’s Resource CenterJackie Lewandoski – Host, WNEP-TV 16’s Home & Backyard Featured Restaurants:Paradise Soulfood & SweetsColarusso’s Coal Fire PizzaAndy Gavin’s Eatery & PubThe Cabin Bar and Grill409 on Adams Restaurant Event Production:Sarah Effertz – Owner, Blu Elefante Endeavor Audio
Johnson College Spring 2021 Semester President’s List Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2021 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher. Evan Wilcox, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Milanville, PA John DeLucca, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Pittston, PA Brandon Dougherty, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, South Abington Township, PA Philip Davitt, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Dickson City, PA Shane McHugh, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA David Weaver, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Carbondale, PA Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA Michael Salansky, Computer Information Technology, Uniondale, PA Brittany Bethel, Veterinary Technology, Dallas, PA Devon Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA Jorden Sekol, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Old Forge, PA Alexander Nallin, Veterinary Technology, Scranton, PA For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Marywood University to Hold Virtual Master of Fine Arts Information Session Marywood University will hold a virtual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Information Session on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 4 p.m. This information session is free and open to anyone who is interested in pursuing a low-residency master of fine arts degree. To register, please visit https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/mfa. Marywood’s “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program for designers and illustrators is the oldest and best low-residency program in the country, designed for those who are working full time, but who are also interested in earning a terminal degree. For additional information about Marywood University’s MFA Information Session, please contact Steven Brower, MFA, director of the “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program at Marywood University, at (570) 348-6211, ext. 2569, or email sbrower@marywood.edu.
